‘A Christmas Story’ and much more

“A Christmas Story” Comes Home features scenes from the movie at the South Shore Convention & Visitors Indiana Welcome Center.

“A Christmas Story” Comes Home features scenes from the movie at the South Shore Convention & Visitors Indiana Welcome Center.

South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority promotes holiday fun with special local flair.

When it comes to celebrating the holiday season, the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority (SSCVA) may be one of the most fortunate destination marketing organizations in the country. With direct ties to one of the most iconic holiday season films of all time, “A Christmas Story,” it’s easy to see why the group does not shy away from making the connection with visitors from across the Midwest.

For Erika Dahl, SSCVA director of communications, who has been with the organization for more than eight years, her commitment to promoting the very best the region has to offer comes easily. “I am a resident of Crown Point and I have spent the majority of my life in Northwest Indiana,” says Dahl. “I enjoy promoting the attractions and events throughout the South Shore. I’m proud of the region and all the great things to do here.”

Created by the Indiana General Assembly in 1983, SSCVA is tasked with leading and supporting the county visitor industry from convention, sports and gaming to special interest travel segments. The organization also runs the Indiana Welcome Center off Kennedy Avenue and I-80/94 in Hammond, Indiana.

Dahl says the holiday season is an especially fun time of year for the SSCVA. “Our gift shop is packed with official “A Christmas Story” merchandise, vintage-inspired South Shore Line posters and locally made, handcrafted items that are perfect for souvenirs or holiday gifts for family and friends,” she says.

The South Shore offers a number of things to do throughout winter and during the holidays. According to Dahl, it is an affordable, family-friendly destination where the holiday events give families a reason to get out and experience different things.

Holiday events“A Christmas Story” Comes Home is an ongoing free exhibit that runs through Jan. 7, 2018. The exhibit showcases six animated displays depicting scenes from “A Christmas Story.” Additional special events include: a kick-off celebration, A Major Event with the pop-up Holiday Market; Holiday for Heroes, a special evening for military, police, fire and EMS personnel; Oh Fuuudge! Tire Relay, an obstacle course for families; and Mommy’s Little Piggy Eating Contest, where contestants race against the clock and each other to see who can eat the most mashed potatoes like a little piggy.

According to Dahl, during the exhibit, Santa takes photos atop Santa’s Mountain on weekends and other select days; visitors can also write a letter to Santa, vote on their favorite decorated tree and much more.

More detailsAn SSCVA online calendar and social media outreach provide the public with details about what is happening each week.

“The South Shore SSCVA provides information to the community about a number of holiday and winter events,” says Dahl. “We encourage visitors and residents to view our Events page on the website, alongthesouthshore.com, and on Facebook.”

Just a 30-minute drive away from the heart of downtown Chicago, the South Shore, Dahl says, is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the gracious hospitality of the country’s Midwest that combines a mix of big-city fun and small-town friendliness.

The South Shore Convention & Visitors Indiana Welcome Center is located at 7770 Corinne Drive in Hammond. For more information, call 219-989-7979 or visit southshorecva.com.